the first try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial attempt at something. Example: "I was surprised that I managed to solve the puzzle on the first try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Involved in the first try.

Independent

I passed on the first try.

The New York Times

Taps usually register on the first try.

The New York Times - Tech

Irish scored the first try.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't land on the first try.

The New York Times

I was lucky on the first try.

The New York Times - Magazine

She aced it on the first try.

The New Yorker

Would they connect on the first try?

The New York Times - Tech

The first try was too tentative.

The New York Times

She passed on the first try.

The New York Times

It worked on the first try.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the first try" to indicate the beginning of a process or experiment, setting the stage for further attempts if needed.

Common error

While common, avoid using "the first try" repetitively in close proximity. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "initial attempt" or rephrase the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first try" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier indicating the timing or manner of an action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first try" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase widely used to describe an initial attempt. Ludwig examples show its presence across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. The phrase conveys ideas of efficiency, beginnings, and initial success or failure. While common, it's beneficial to occasionally substitute it with synonyms like "initial attempt" to enhance writing style. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly usable in every context and is grammatically correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial attempt

Replaces 'try' with 'attempt', focusing on the act of trying something for the first time.

the maiden effort

Emphasizes that it's the very first attempt at something, often implying a new or significant undertaking.

the preliminary attempt

Highlights the initial and preparatory nature of the try.

the opening endeavor

Uses more formal synonyms to describe the first effort or undertaking.

the original attempt

Highlights the uniqueness and origin of the attempt.

the inaugural attempt

Uses formal synonym to describe the very first try.

the first shot

Uses a more informal and idiomatic expression to refer to the first attempt.

the first go

Uses a more colloquial expression for a first attempt.

the first crack

Uses an informal expression to describe the first attempt at solving a problem.

the debut effort

Implies that the attempt is a public or formal introduction.

FAQs

How can I use "the first try" in a sentence?

You can use "the first try" to describe an initial attempt at something, such as "She passed her driving test on "the first try"" or "It worked on "the first try"".

What are some alternatives to saying "the first try"?

Alternatives include "the initial attempt", "the maiden effort", or "the first attempt", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at the first try"?

No, it is generally not correct. The correct phrasing is "on "the first try"" or "with the first attempt".

What does it mean when someone says they "aced it on the first try"?

It means they succeeded exceptionally well on their initial attempt, demonstrating competence and efficiency. A similar phrase may be: "passed it with flying colors on "the first try"".